DO MAGNIFICATION NUMBERS MATTER WHEN CHOOSING LOUPES
2 minute read
It is unfortunate that manufacturers portray magnification in apparently different ways. Magnification varies by working distance and the optical prescription in the ocular. I would like to think that it may be the 22 ways of measuring magnification that could lead to this variation but some are so far from what is apparent that it causes confusion and dissatisfaction. This could also explain why if one manufacturer has a loupe that appears to have a magnification that is higher than it looks, generally their whole range has that bias. It gets even more confusing as the width of field can make a magnification appear different to what it actually is by the image occupying less or more of the field.
THE SOLUTION
Only use the numbers as an approximate guideline. Make sure that you have a proper consultation with an experienced advisor who can guide you towards the correct magnification for you based on their experience of helping other users. Ideas have changed over the years - gradually what was considered a starting magnification has increased. Bear in mind that starting with a 'high magnification' loupe can be difficult, that is why ExamVision have an adjustable loupe that includes 4 magnifications ranging from a whole mouth right up to a close-up view.
It is not just numbers that impact what you can see. Don't forget to check lens clarity and remember that if you need a prescription in the loupe, this can make a big difference. This lens also must be of the highest quality to achieve the best image.
THE PROBLEM
This article is the opinion of Evident, supplier of ExamVision loupes
From research we carried out using a system that duplicated how the eye perceives magnification, it was clear that there was often a significant variation between magnification claimed and that measured. So how can this be explained?
